A flock of birds demonstrates true loyalty toward one of its own.
American white ibis
A few weeks ago, I learned something about friendship from birds. A flock of American white ibises to be exact.
I spotted the flock at Hospital Pond located across the street from a historic building that once served as a county hospital in Stuart, Florida, in the early 1900s.
At first, I didn’t notice anything unusual as I made my way toward the birds who are known for their orange curved bills and long orange legs. All that was on my mind was getting close enough to take some decent photos.
However, as I neared the flock, their behavior seemed erratic. They didn’t fly away, which is the norm for wild birds. A matter of fact, once I set up my camera, they would come close and then strut away, back and forth in an unending cycle. Their demeanor puzzled me.
I soon discovered a lethargic member of the group floundering at the water’s edge, unable to raise his head. Obviously, the flock knew their friend was in dire straights and demonstrated concern for him. They were burdened by the impending death of one of their own.
The ill-fated ibis
After doing research online, I learned that this avian species is predominantly monogamous. Hence, I can understand a mate’s unwillingness to leave the side of her lifelong partner during his final moments of life. But an entire flock?
 |
| Could this be the forlorn mate of the dying bird? |
The flock’s loyalty made me think about human relationships. Friendships can be so fleeting. Yet, a person is truly blessed if he or she can lay claim to one or two dear, lifelong friends.
In the Bible, John 15:13 mentions such a love:
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
 |
| Concerned members of the flock looking toward their comrade. |
Granted, the birds were unable to lay down their lives for their comrade, yet they displayed great love by remaining with him.
I didn’t stay to witness the final moments of that bird’s life, but the situation still impacted me. Isn’t that what most of us want? To have others care about us so greatly that they will have our back and stay by our side until the very end?
With that said, I cherish my time alone. However, it took me decades to learn to enjoy such times due to the fact that I was raised in a large family. Back then, it seemed so foreign to me that others preferred to be by themselves.
Nonetheless, as I grew older, solitude became my go-to preference. So much so that even now, I have to make a point to extend myself to others when I prefer to be alone.
Jesus did the same thing. After hearing about the beheading of his cousin, John the Baptist, our Lord needed time alone. However, a crowd followed Him. Even though Jesus was grieving over John’s death, He met the people’s needs.
“When Jesus heard it (John’s death), He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” (Matt 14:13-14 NKJV)
Jesus made Himself available no matter how He felt. We should aspire do the same.
Aspire to be available just as Jesus was. Aspire to reach out to others in need just as He did. Aspire to be a friend to others just as He was. Aspire to be just like Jesus.
Have a blessed day!
